The existence of a Starbucks gossip blog should be noteworthy enough, but there’s more to this story.

People first hated Starbucks because it was “too trendy.” The behind-the-counter slackers had a pretentious job title — barista — and were themselves pretentious clowns who despised customers paying $4 for coffee drinks.

Nevertheless, people built their existence around the place, like the Dallas freak trying to visit every Starbucks in the world. For many, “Fourbucks” became a destination. Then, as soon as the company began its viral infection of the retail landscape, came the predictable backlash. The same trendy people who embraced the place had now decided it was “too corporate.”

Where’s Norm?

Starbucks has reached McDonald’s-like critical mass, part of the culture, and the staff seems to have adjusted. Your local Starbucks is like Cheers, where everyone knows your name. It’s a friendly place with friendly people.

“To all of you silly, sad caffeine addicts who line up like lemmings for your overpriced lattes every morning: there are some things you should know. We are not your friends. We are usually not your neighbors. In most cases, we absolutely loathe you, but we are outwardly friendly — because we are paid to do so.”

I’ll have to take this up today with my close friends at my Starbucks.

More hatred for the customers

Major League Baseball is being vilified, and rightfully so, for telling Astro Craig Biggio that he can’t wear a small pin on his spring training uniform that shows support for a charity that helps kids with cancer. Richard Oliver is there to apply boot to major league butt.